The Host?

Anyone read The Host yet? Saw it today and am thinking of picking it up. Wanted to get the opinions of others first. Really enjoy the Twlight series, not sure what I'll think of this one. Opinions?

I have not read it yet. But I have heard about it. It looks interesting.

It looks interesting, but I am waiting for several "friend" reviews. I've got a whole shelf of books to read right now. I'd also like to reread the entire series before Breaking Dawn comes out.

I just checked it out from the library. I've decided that since it's not part of the twilight series, i'm not obligated to buy it on principle, so I'm gonna see if I like it first.

I haven't had a chance to read it yet, but I'm really excited!

I'm at Chapter 15. I'm not loving it as much as the Twilight Saga but I enjoy it quite thoroughly. It is definitely a thinking book.

It reminds be quite a bit of Brave New World by Aldous Huxley and The Giver by Lois Lowry.

It is a good book. If you want more Host discussions, check out my group "The Host Lovers"

I picked The Host up last week at Borders, but right now my mom is reading it. I also have a huge stack of unread books, but couldn't resist the 40% of coupon I had and knew it was a book I would eventally want.

I have heard that the writing is much like the writing in Twilight, etc. and that it really isn't a more "mature" writing style as you might expect. I think it would be hard for a YA author to transition to writing adult lit. It seems it would be easier to go the other way.

i finished it a few days ago. i'd say the writing is more mature than Twilight.

I agree that it's more mature than the Twilight Saga. More so than the writing style is the content. I'm not finished yet, but it's definitely more mature all the way around. I, likewise, don't think this book appeals as much to the younger followers of Stephenie's books. (I'd like to be wrong, but doubt that I am.)

i couldn't help being reminded of the Animorphs series, only a little nicer.

Hmm...I remember the Animorphs series pretty well, but I'm not really seeing the connection. Could you elaborate, please?

i mean with the Yeerks invading the minds and looking like slugs and the small group of people fighting it.

My mom called me with an update to say she is really loving the story. She was very enthusiastic about it, so even if I don't read it for a while I'm still glad I picked it up.

That's right liselle40. I'd forgotten that. I remember the books vaguely. They weren't really my cup of tea, but that's probably because my little brother really liked them!

It's SO worth reading. When reading the Twilight Saga I felt at points like my heart was being ripped out...I got to that point with The Host. And I'm dying for more!!!

(Apparently, at a book signing she mentioned taking a year off and just writing...I'm dying for more of The Host!)

actually, i hope that she doesn't make another one with the host, because i felt that it ended on just the right note that if she wrote a new one, she would have to start killing characters off. i wouldn't mind if she wrote one in the same setting with different charcters, though.

She will have to start killing characters. She mentioned that. I'm okay with that because I need to know what happened. I mean, they just meet these other people and then......?????

Life can't just be all hunky dory!

She has to do another book-- she cannot just leave it! And that doesn't mean she HAS to start killing people off, and it doesn't have to be main characters either!!!

She did say that to continue she'd be killing characters that she likes. You are correct, though, they don't have to be main characters. I really like Walter and I wouldn't consider him a main character.

Yes, I heard that. But what I mean is that many other books end up killing off characters-- sometimes that is what has to be done, even if we do not approve of it or like it. It's like they say : 'You can't have it all!'
You can't have another book unless you are prepared for other things along with it-- such as characters being killed off. But she has never said who or how.

Right. I'm willing to take the risk... ;)

I have been wondering about to read or not to read it. I think the Twilight series was just about saucy enough for me and I don't particulary enjoy the whole sci-fi, alien-invading-the-world sort of thing =) I hate Star Wars and Star Trek so I am in suspended animation about The Host, also, my friend read it and said it wasn't very good, about a C+ (she also loves the Twilight Saga and was excited about The Host, only to be disappointed) So I am not sure.

The Host has been deemed Sci-Fi for people who don't like Sci-Fi. It is extremely different from Twilight. If you're looking for Twilight, you won't get it, but it is just as emotional once you get into it.

I agree with Jolene.

You do have to remember that your friend is entitled to her own opinion *we all are*, and even though we all like to listen to what our friends say and base our thoughts and actions around it a bit, you also have to remember that your tastes for one book may be completely different from hers, even if normally you love the same books. I've had this happen more than once with my friends and I.

The Host is an amazing book, very different from Twilight and yet if you look behind the story and words, you realize it's still got a lot of the same basic things in it. Love, emotions, great characters and story.

I would suggest that you at least give it a try. Who knows? You could fall completely in love with it.

And as far as the whole 'I don't like Star Wars/Star Trek so I can't read science fiction stuff' I hate to say this, but that's kind of a stupid reason to not read a genre at all! Not all things that are categorized as science fiction or fantasy have to be about aliens and Star Trek things! I'm not exactly a sci-fi geek that's going to run off to conventions and watch those movies over and over again, but I still enjoy the occasional, well written and interesting, science fiction novel. Don't write them all off just because of the name of the genre-- you may be cutting out some great books that even you would love!

Excuse, me I said something along the lines of, "I don't like Star Wars/Star Trek so I don't think I'd enjoy the whole sci fi theme", I didn't say I CAN'T read it, I'm not disabled, thanks, I just don't think I'd enjoy it. I'm not reading it. There are millions of books out there that we MIGHT love but we "are cutting off". If you were a real girly girl who hated sports would you go out of your way, spend your money, take your time to buy/borrow a copy of Footballs' Most Memorable Moments? No, you wouldn't, THAT would be stupid if you did. We all aren't you, The Book Queen and we are each (thankfully) different and special. And, news flash, The Host is about aliens, I do go on Wikipedia. I suggest you read things properly before stating false things and saying people's opinions and likes/dislikes are stupid, I am so very sorry. Also, I am only thirteen and The Host is classified as an "Adult" book. I do not want to read things that are beyond my age, thank you. This is a discussion, not a "Let's Attack Someone's Opinion Because I Enjoyed The Book". I would very much appreciate it if you could read things through. I hate it when people do that, if you said that you hated Twilight and it was the most tedious, horrible book on the planet then I would have probably said,
"That's pretty interesting, I do get your point, even if I'm an avid fan."
I have actually been having an on-going discussion with someone who hates the books (gasp) and I have read her opinion properly and haven't said her reason was "stupid". Life is never what you want it to be and you will (or may already have) met people that don't like very single thing that you do and I certainly hope that you haven't said their opinion was "stupid." Just read things properly, thanks.

Also, my friend and I have pretty much the same taste in books, all of our favourites are the same. If your friend told you this new book was horrible and tacky would you straight away go out and buy it or would you be a bit unsure, if you went straight out and bought it, you obviously don't value your friend's opinions too much. I will not be reading The Host, I don't see why I have to waste my time or money. I said a perfectly polite comment and then you go and jump all over it because we have different opinions and thoughts. I think you have some issues, I suggest a good doctor and some bed rest.

Excuse me, xcullenpridex, but unless I'm as screwed up as you tried to paint me as in your messed up comment, which I assure you, I am not, all I said was my opinion, and I did not say it in an insulting or mean way, and if you took it like that or if for some reason it sounded like that, then I'm sorry. I promise you, I don't spend my time writing that long of a response JUST TO JUMP DOWN SOME PERSON'S THROAT *WHOM I DO NOT EVEN KNOW!*.

Now, if you would let me explain it a bit more, maybe you wouldn't automatically label me as a cold witch.

When I used the word 'cant' *Which I don't remember using at the time, but since it's there, I can't exactly call you a liar* I didn't mean that you CANNOT PHYSCIALLY READ IT. I'll admit-- I should have used 'wont' or some other word like that, but it was an honest mistake, and you shouldn't jump back down MY throat, since everyone makes mistakes, whether it's word choice or spelling, usually without even realizing it or meaning too. And second, I didn't mean to imply that you are completely against the science fiction or anything like that, I was simply working off of what you said earlier, and once again, if I presumed or insulted, I appoligize, I DID NOT MEAN TO.

As far as my mistake *and I will admit it's a mistake* on whether or not it's aliens in the book, I wasn't thinking clearly when I typed that, and again, I'm sorry. But you could give a person the benefit of the doubt and not ASSUME that they meant everything that they wrote or that they are stupid. And the aliens in the Host are not normal ones, and what I meant when I said that it wasn't about aliens was that it's not about the normal hollywood aliens *the 'little green people', you know?* and I guess I didn't type it the way I was thinking it through in my mind at the time. My bad.

I didn't say that you had to BUY the book to enjoy it. There is a the library, or even a good friend who would probably loan you the book if you were inclined to read it. Though I see you don't wish to, and that's fine. I'm just pointing out... And I didn't say you had to go and get every book from every genre, even if you don't like it. Just because my name is 'the book queen' doesn't mean I read LITEREALLY every book out there either. I try to read at least one book in a genre before I decide if I will read any future ones or not, but that's just me, and I wasn't implying that you should follow the same advice, I was simply putting that information out there, and you could ignore it very easily.

As far as your age, while it may be printed as 'adult' on the websites, I promise you it's no worse than Twilight or her other books. Just because it's called 'adult' doesn't automatically make it all about sex and drugs and violence. That's what the publishing company labeled it as, and that's all. Same way that Twilight is labeled as a teen book, but 80 year old grandmothers read it too. Now, I'm still not saying 'YOU HAVE TO READ THE HOST' but I'm pointing out that it's not a dirty book and that a 13 year old *who wanted to read it!* could read it without it poisoning their mind. It's all up to you, and your parents of course, but don't just assume that 'adult' means ALL bad things. I will repeat that 'Adult' doesn't always mean the level of mature things in it but also the 'reading level' for lack of a different word. When you are younger, books have things like 'recommended for ages 8-12' or 'Reading Level 1' on it because that is what the publishers feel that age group CAN read. Again, this doesn't mean someone older or younger can't read it, but that is what the publishers think is the best age for it. By saying 'Adult' it USUALLY, but not always, means that the words, etc, in the book would be easier understood or liked by a slightly older audience. True, some of the 'adult' books are labeled that way for a reason-- I'm NOT telling you to go out and read books that are filled with sex, etc, but I want to stress that fact that the word 'adult' doesn't have to mean bad stuff, stay away from it!

The worst they ever do is kissing, a maybe a few swear words, nothing X-rated. Its okay if you don't want to read that sort of stuff, but don't just assume that because the publishing company labeled it as 'adult' that means that it's pornography. I've seen 'Adult' genre books that were cleaner than some of the teenage books out there today!

And as far as the 'I hate that you didn't read things thoroughly and I'm attacking you because you dont' love the books that I do' well the first part of that can also apply to you, can't it? Because as I've said many times before, you just ASSUMED through my writing, which I will admit that this time was a bit flawed and messed up, that I was jumping you when I was simply putting my opinion out there. Thats the point of this, and any website, out there: to put your opinion out there, though no one HAS to agree with it or even read it. I'm okay with people not loving every book-- as you said, we are all different, and I respect that. BUT at the same time, if it's a book I enjoyed, I will 'fight' *I'm using this word since you seem to want to make it seem like I attacked you, and every one else who tells me their opinion* a bit about why it is so good. If I hate a book, I'll 'fight' someone else who loves it too.

I don't remember ever calling your opinion stupid. I said, and you can check my last post 'That's a stupid reason'. REASON, not opinion. Two different things. And yes, stupid is a bit harsh, and once again, I'll appolgoize about that. But I have to say, if I'm going to be blamed for something I said, at least make sure that you are blaming me for something I ACTUALLY SAID. Not twisiting it around.

As far as friends and books, I'm not saying that I don't trust their opinions. Again, you are ASSUMING based on five small paragraphs that I wrote when you do not know me or my friends at all. All I was trying to say is that even though we all trade books and recommend new ones to each other and USUALLY all love or hate the same ones, I've had a FEW that they passed on to me with the words "I promise, you'll love it as much as I did!" and I couldn't finish the book or if I did, I was unimpressed. It doesn't happen often, and when it does, I don't get upset or yell or anything else because we ALL HAVE OUR OWN OPINIONS, and if they enjoyed that book, great, but for whatever reason, maybe it fell flat for me or maybe at the time I just wasn't interesting in reading that sort of book. I'm sure that you would agree that sometimes you have moments when you do not particularly want to read a book, even if normally you would love a book of that genre, and if you try to read it at a later time, you might find yourself enjoying it (or not, either way. The point is that your preferences MAY change, just like anything else in your life or thoughts will.) Again, I have to say I never said you have to BUY every book that is out there or recommended to you. And if she said that to me, yes, I'd probably keep that in mind and depending on the book, I may not read it. But I wouldn't allow one person's opinion, even a really good friend that I almost always agree with on such things, to decide for me. IF I feel like I still want to read it, for whatever reason, I can always find it at a library and start reading it. If it ends up being a complete bomb like she told me, then I'll put it back, tell her she was right, maybe even laugh about it with her for while, and move on to the next book, no big deal. Personally, I believe in giving books a chance, but there are times when I make an exception to MY 'rule'. Again, this doesn't have to apply to you, I'm just saying.

As I read through this, I realize that it sounds a bit harsh and mean, and I wish I could say that I'm sorry about that, but in a small way, I'm not. You said that I made a mean comment back to you after your polite one *Which I never said was anything but polite, and even now, I don't think your original comment was rude. However, the last two you posted before this one ARE a bit rude, and so in return, my message right now is on the rough side. I stand by my opinions, and I don't want someone coming along and calling my 'mean', unloyal to my friends and their opinions, or 'having some issues'. Now you want to talk about RUDE and DISRESPECTFUL and JUMPING DOWN A PERSON'S THROAT, your comment about "I think you have some issues, I suggest a good doctor and some bed rest" fits that category perfectly.*

I am OKAY if you never read The Host. That's fine! But next time you want to yell at me and call me stupid, rude, and worst of all, say that I have issues *and not mean it in a joking way*, watch out. You could ask any of my friends, and they'd tell you I'm usually a nice person to everyone. But when someone attacks me and insults me, pissing me off, then I have a problem with that person. Right now, I don't have a problem with you. But that can change. I don't want to hate you, since I don't even know you and that's not fair to judge you. But I refuse to stand by and let you say crap like that to me, no matter who you are.

I hope you have a great day, really I do, and please, think before you try to tell a person that they are mentally disturbed. Because by saying you 'have issues' is really a polite way of saying that, and no one, not even your worst enemy, deserves a remark like that.

I'll chime in as another person who doesn't read science fiction books and I don't think it's a stupid reason not to read a book at all. It's a genre I just plain don't like, so no, if a book is quantified as science fiction, chances are, I won't read it. I also don't like romances and don't need to read some to figure out I don't like them. There are probably lots of stupid reasons not to read a particular book. It's not up to me to decide for you what is a smart or stupid reason.

And I'll also say that calling someone's reasons stupid is pretty damn similar to calling their opinions stupid. Same thing, imo.

Thank you, HelloAnnie!! That is EXACTLY what I think. Thank you again. The Book Queen: Of course, I ASSUMED things because I wasn't sitting right there with you, seeing your facial expressions, feeling your feelings .. so I DON'T know and I think. My REASON is my OPINION, so saying my reason is stupid is saying my opinion is stupid. My comments weren't the slightest bit rude, though I'll admit "the doctor and bed rest" part was, but, in my opinion (that's obviously plain stupid) your whole comment was ATTACKING (what you ASSUMED I was doing) my opinion. I did not "yell" at you, you said things to me first and I replied. Also, your "adult book" thing is your OPINION, my parents would certainly NOT be happy if I bought an adult book home, publishers and book experts have labelled the book and I think professionals know what their doing. If I borrowed the book from the library, I would be wasting time and energy (riding my bike/walking there). I don't like borrowing books from my friends as I might lose it or damage it, thus wasting my money. I NEVER said just because your name is "The Book Queen" did you read every book, there you go again ASSUMING things (what I apparently do) and stating false things, again, please read things properly.

I am curious about the excitement surrounding this book. I dont typically read YA books. As an adult will I enjoy it? Or does it read like most YA books?

CityLove:
As an adult, you can enjoy them just as much as younger people too. I myself am not a teenager, and I enjoy all of Meyer's book, both Twilight and The Host. Of course, you may end up not liking them, personal opinion of course, and that's fine. But if it sounds interesting to you, maybe you should pick it up and try it out. The worst that can happen is you 'lose' a few days of your time. The best thing that can happen is you end up falling in love with it. So what do you have to lose?

In a way, they still read more like a YA book, as far as some of the story plots and character thinking, etc, but some of the elements, as we've clearly been 'discussing' on here, may not be for all younger readers. Still, I feel that if a person is younger than the expected audience for a book, but they (and/or the parents) feel that they are mature enough to handle it, and if it sounds intriguing to them, then maybe they should try it. Same goes for older readers-- if the book sounds like something you'd like, try it! Don't worry about being 'too old'. A good book can be read and enjoyed by all age groups, not just one.

XcullenprideX:
I'm sorry you still feel that way. I don't know how many times I can try to explain AND apologize for whatever I said that started this. I wish you no harm, and I won't bring it up again. I hope you still continue to have a good time on this website, ignoring me and any of my comments if you wish to, and that you find good books to read anyway.

The Book Queen: Thank you for apologizing and I apologize too if I offended you in any way/shape or form. I hope I will have more fun on this website (=P) and no, I won't ignore you or anything, I'm just very opinuated .. so I am sorry for that, and you must think I'm a really bad person that just goes around starting fights but I don't .. suprisingly, I am actually a pretty calm person (I can see you laughing!) and I usually ignore things I don't like but I find it is much easier to say things to people online when you don't know them and/or can't see them, so I am also an abuser of that. Again, I am sorry. I feel very ashamed that I wrote those comments (because they offended you) and I hope there are no bad feelings .. to anyone reading this, please read our "fight", because you might get the wrong idea if you are only reading this post. The "fight" was pretty stupid, I'll admit, it was about my reason to not read The Host .. and yes, I can see how pathetic it is now. I might read it, if I have enough time, I have alot of tests and assigments right now and for the near future so I'm not sure if I can. I try to read at least three to four books a week, so if anyone is into Young Adult books, I'm your girl!!

It really is a good book, imho. And while there are alien's, it could just as easily be people from another country coming in (other than the technical mumbo-jumbo.) The "adult"-ness of the book is due to the fact that the writing is on a higher reading level than the Twilight books. It doesn't have anything to do with content. (I believe the distinction was made to be more welcoming to adult readers, since it was pretty apparent that she had the corner market on YA books.)

i absolutely LLLLLLLLLLUUUUUUUVVVVVVV IIIIIIITTTTTTT!!!!!!!!! (the book sillybutton)it is so far THE best book i've EVA read and i dont read much!!!!! LLLLLLLLLLUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUVVVVVVVVVVVV IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIITTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT!!!!!!!!

I'm glad that we could both come to terms and agree. I promise you, even if it may have sounded rude at points *at least in my second post, which I will willingly admit was a bit less than mature and nice for the most part* I didn't mean it. I think we have a lot in common-- I too am not usually like that, but I will admit that I can snap very easily, and sometimes it's over the stupidest things or without meaning to. Shall we just agree to start over from here and promise that neither one of us will assume anything? If there's a question about what they mean, then ask-- is that okay?

And yes, if someone's coming in late to this conversation, it might be best to start from the beginning of our little disagreement.

I understand, and like I've said before, it's okay if you don't wish to read the book *or any other book that we may end up talking about in the future*, I'm sure that there are some that you love and I may not wish to read. But if you do find yourself reading it in the future, hopefully you will remember this conversation and website and come back to post your thoughts on the book. Deal? Besides--homework and tests should always come first, though I remember when I was in school, highschool mostly, and I had a few times when it was hard to put the book down in order to do my homework instead. I'd usually have to make a compromise with myself-- so many page(s) of asisgnments or minutes of studying in exchange for X number of pages in the book I was reading at the time.

Have a great day and I hope you enjoy whatever book you decide to read right now. :)

The Book Queen: Lol. That sounds like a good deal with my myself. I am trying to get hold of Uglies, my friends say it is an awesome series and I am hoping to read it next. It seems a little abstract but it has romance and action and a weird twist (like Twilight!!) so it is something I THINK I will enjoy.

If anyone else has read it, can you please tell me if it is worth reading?

I have read Uglies, and the rest of the series, and I enjoyed them a lot. They are definitely different, and the romance, while not really strong, is pretty good. Plenty of action and suspense, and all I can say is I hope that if our world ever turns into one like their's that I am no longer alive! LOL. You'll understand more about what I'm trying to say if/when you read them.

My students who've read Twilight love Uglies and the rest of the series. But, I have yet to pick it up for myself.

I just finished reading Uglies .. it was FANTASTIC .. so looking forward to Pretties!

I just finished reading "The Host" and I thought it was really good. I also read all four of the Twilight series and I loved them as well. It is different, but if you enjoyed Twilight I promise you will enjoy the host. Stephenie Meyer has an amazing imagination, and the storyline was so creative (the caves, the souls etc). Twilight has been labeled as a teen read, but I am 29 and I loved that series. The host would be suitable for teens and adults as well. I wouldn't read "the host" and expect it to be like Twilight, read it with an open mind, as a totally new story. I love how such a great author is opening a whole new storyline to another great series.

Hm, Tlaymac2, your amazing review has half-convinced me to go out and borrow The Host, the cover looks sorta creep though =? I just want her to write more fantastic romance! Stephenie Meyer makes the romance feel so real and true , she is definitely the best romance writer out there!

xcullenpridex, you should enjoy the romance of The Host as well. Just don't expect it to be set in high school. Some people I've spoken to and myself included took a little time to really get into the story (unlike Twilight) but once you're in about 20 chapters it takes off and moves just as fast IMHO.

YEAHda host is NOT a good book ive READ it ITS dumb NO AFFENSE 2 STEPFANIE M. she is beyond da best writer EVA

I really liked the Host.

I just finished reading New Moon and haven't started to read Eclipse, yet. I already bought the book The Host from Wal-Mart last Summer even before I had finished any of the books in The Twilight Saga. I am looking forward to reading Eclipse and Breaking Dawn.

Beatles1964

Alicia, I think you have misread a great deal of this thread. I don't recall telling anyone that they have to read anything. I merely told xcullenpridex (who I happen to like quite a bit) that if she's interested in Stephenie Meyer writing more "fantastic romance" that she should be able to enjoy the romance aspect of The Host.

(And, no one told her she had to BUY the book. And it doesn't cost $40. If that's what someone paid for it, they got ripped off....big time!) In fact, she mentioned borrowing the book.

I say this with a great deal of respect, but I think you need to mature a little before you continue to post.

I completely agree Jolene. And I hope you dont feel like anyone was making you read and buy a book xcullenpridex which we werent.

Sorry I think I put across the wrong message in my post. I wasn't trying to sound mean. Once I re-read it I realised that I wrote it incorrectly. I deleted it and hopefully we can start again.

@ Alicia = It was the Book Queen that I had a "fight" with, but thanks for sticking up for me anyway =)

Jolene & MrsGrinch = no, I don't feel that way. I believe if anyone wrote something that offended me it was the Book Queen but we have passed that stage now =) Thanks for the recommendations and I hope to read The Host but currently, I am in position 13 of hold at my public library. And I can't find it in any stores (sold out, which just shows how popular it is!)

Sounds good Alicia.

xcullenpridex you should order it on like Amazon or ebay or something.

I probably should, but I'd like to see if I actually liked it before spending money. I'll just have to sit tight =D

I really liked it-i'm planning on reading it again. I borrowed it from my local library.
A young woman lives in a world that has been taken over by aliens. They are supposedly a better society - flawless. The aliens are like a virus that rids the body of the human soul and overtakes it. Thus, the human becomes a host. The main character, however, refuses to become a host.
The story has stuck with me.

I own it but have not read it yet. I have a book list that is wayyy too long! haha